“It has been a remarkable year for Bellarmine Robotics Team 254, winning both the FRC and VEX World Championships!” noted Ann Johnson, the team’s moderator and Bellarmine faculty member.
On the heels of the Bellarmine Robotics team winning an unprecedented 5th FRC Robotics World Championship during competition in Houston, Texas, April 21-23, the team also became 2022 VEX Robotics World Champions at that tournament held May 4-8 in Dallas, Texas.
“This was our first VEX Worlds appearance since 2016, although we did qualify in 2020 but the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic,” noted Ms. Johnson. “We went into the tournament determined to do our best, but with no expectations.”
Approximately 830 teams participated in the VEX World Championship, separated into 10 Divisions, with Team 254 placed in the Arts Division.
“Team 254F worked in total harmony during this tournament - scouting, strategy, drive team - all supporting each other,” explained Ms. Johnson. “Each match was scouted, strategy developed, and the plan put in action by the drive team. At the end of the first day of qualification matches, we were ranked first! The battle for the top spot was tight, with the top teams separated by only 1-2 points. We held the number one ranking by a slim margin until our last qualification match when we lost and dropped to 2nd in our Division. During alliance selection, we partnered with the rank 1 team, PiBotics Team 38141B (Kentucky). Our alliance went on to win the Arts Division. The battle for that win was intense, plagued with field faults and replays.”
After Division finals, all 10 Division winning alliances proceeded to the Championship elimination round. Team 254 progressed to the finals, a best 2 of 3 contest. After losing the first match, our alliance rallied to win the final two matches and claim the championship.
Congratulations to the Cheezy Poofs on this outstanding achievement, and to their mentors and moderator.